What it's like to live with cancer fatigue

What is cancer fatigue?

"My cancer fatigue is like nothing I have every experienced - no amount of sleep seems to help," says Fiona Macrae, a model for Beauty Despite Cancer skincare.

Many of us understand fatigue as a short-term physical concern that's resolved with relaxation or a good night's sleep. For people like Fiona and others, who are living with cancer, the term takes on a whole new meaning.

To experience cancer fatigue is like a persistent and unshakeable feeling of exhaustion that can have a profound physical, mental, and emotional impact in a person's life.

What does cancer fatigue feel like?

While experts recognise the common symptoms and psychological impacts of cancer fatigue, it can affect people in different ways and everyone's experience is unique. Sharing and hearing each other's stories can help people going through similar challenges understand that they're not alone.

Fiona Macrae shares her own experience with cancer fatigue

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Different stories, shared challenges

Other people managing cancer fatigue will each have a different story. For some, the disease itself is their biggest source of fatigue, rather than a side effect of treatment. The length of these intense periods of tiredness and low energy also varies greatly - it may last for weeks, months or years¹.

No matter the differences, this complication of cancer is intense and significantly disrupts the lives of those living with it. Charities like Maggie's have support networks to bring people with cancer together, where they can share advice and real-life coping techniques.

Coping with cancer fatigue

Fiona's advice for people coping with cancer fatigue is to listen to your body and to not feel guilty when you need to rest. "If you need an afternoon in bed watching reality TV - do it."

For those who, like her, experience cancer fatigue in peaks and dips during a treatment cycle, she recommends planning around this: "I recommend going out and having treats during your good weeks, and more home time and friends coming to see you in your not-so-good weeks."

Jennifer Young is an expert in specialist skincare for those living with and beyond cancer. She has seen many people struggling with extreme tiredness following a cancer diagnosis:

"Cancer itself can cause fatigue, cancer treatments can be extremely draining, and the stress of having a diagnosis along with everything this leads you to contemplate can also cause tiredness and low moods."

She has also seen the positive impact that holistic therapies can have on improving fatigue: "Massage has been shown to reduce fatigue in the short term as well as improve sleep quality, while essential oils like lavender and lemon can help uplift energy."

There are several other coping techniques that could help make your life that little bit easier - the first step is to speak up if you're struggling. Both experts and people living with cancer fatigue can provide support.

Further reading

1. Cancer Research UK: What is cancer fatigue?